Job Overview

Following the forthcoming retirement of our current Headteacher in August 2026, the Governors of St Bernadette Catholic Primary School are seeking to appoint a practising Catholic who is an inspirational and visionary leader with a passion and drive to take our school into the next stages of its development.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and inspirational leader who has the skills, creativity and energy to lead, motivate, develop and support a dedicated staff team and governing body.

About Us

We are a warm and welcoming voluntary-aided Catholic primary school with a strong family ethos and a commitment to nurturing every child’s spiritual, academic, and personal growth.

Our values of: tolerance, kindness, respect, forgiveness and love of neighbour underpin and form our ethos together with our mission of ‘Living and Learning through Christ’.

You will be a committed Catholic Leader who will:

• Be a practising Catholic who can nurture faith and spirituality and take the lead role in providing inspirational Catholic education based on our shared Gospel values.
• Work with Governors to shape the strategic direction of the school.
• Has a clear and passionate child-centred vision for establishing a positive and proactive culture.
• Be passionate about driving internal excellence through collaboration.
• Demonstrate ambition for every child and member of staff.
• Have the skills and experience to lead the school's continued improvement
• Be inclusive, aspirational and ambitious for all our children and our staff.
• Be a committed and engaging leader as we continue to strive for excellence

Governors are seeking someone who:

• Can demonstrate a proven track record of providing inspirational, strategic and professional leadership.
• Has a secure understanding of all matters relating to safeguarding.
• Will be an enthusiastic team leader, with a strong commitment to working in partnership with parents, Parish, local community, partner schools, our Diocese and local authority.
• Will bring together a team in the school to achieve an outstanding level of education for our children
• Will work hard to ensure that every child is supported and challenged to maximise their potential.
• Can demonstrate to communicate clearly and proactively their vision and mission

We can offer the successful candidate:

• A strong Catholic ethos.
• Children who are committed, enthusiastic and fully engaged in their learning.
• Professional and dedicated staff, supportive parents, and active Governors.
• An enthusiastic and aspirational Senior Leadership Team.
• A vibrant community with a supportive parent group (Friends of St Bernadette)
• Ofsted (2023) ‘Good’ rated school.
• Catholic Inspection (2023)'Outstanding' rated school.
• The opportunity to help shape the educational landscape within our Diocese.

Safeguarding

St Bernadette Catholic Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, along with other relevant employment checks. Please note that an online search will form part of this recruitment process.

Applications submitted on a form other than the CES application form will not be considered. Any electronic applications will have to be signed by the applicant attending an interview.

Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. References will be requested for all applicants who are shortlisted.

This is a reserved post and is open to practising Catholics only. Please review the document produced by the Diocese of Clifton ’Definition of a Practising Catholic for Reserved Posts” for further Protocol for Senior Catholic Post recruitment

We welcome and encourage applicants to visit our school. If required, please liaise with the School Office Manager, Alisha Campbell,.

We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We comply with the Equality Act 2010 and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic.

Shortlisting: Friday 27th March 2026

Interviews: Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th April 2026